Sepang (Malaysia), March 23 : Kimi Raikkonen of Lotus set the seventh fastest time in a rain affected qualifying of the Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix here Saturday. The Finn will however start the Sunday's race from tenth position after receiving a three place grid penalty for blocking Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg.

Raikkonen's teammate Romain Grosjean was eleventh fastest after the rain scuppered his Q2 lap on new tyres; forcing him to abort his final attempt.

Raikkonen, who won the season opener in Melbourne, said: "We weren't quick enough on the intermediates so I don't think we could have found much more time in the wet today. For sure I wanted more but it is what it is and I hope we'll do better Sunday. It's obviously disappointing to lose three places on the grid, but we'll have to see what happens in the race. I have no idea what the weather will do, but it will be the same for everyone."

Lotus technical director James Allison felt the race is "likely to be a stern test of driver and team". (IANS)